With that as the tense background, both teams took the field and surrounded home plate, Giants Manager Bruce Bochy and Dodgers ManagerDon Mattingly standing shoulder to shoulder, in what the public address announcer called a "spirit of community."

There was a "moment of reflection" for Stow. Several players bowed their heads.

Then Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt and Dodgers infielder Jamey Carroll -- former teammates on the Colorado Rockies -- each spoke to the crowd.

Affeldt battled his emotions at one point, saying "We ask you to respect the rules, and respect each other."

Affeldt spoke of the great, competitive rivalry between the two teams.

"But when the last out is made, that rivalry ends on the field," he said.

Affeldt gave Carroll a warm introduction, though there were still boos.

"There’s nothing better than rivalry in the game of sports," Carroll told the crowd. "Like Jeremy said, this is one of the best out there. As we do respect each other on the field, we do want you guys to have the same respect, competitive banter and passion that you guys have for as long as this rivalry lives.

"But there is no room in this game for hatred and violence."

At that point, the crowd erupted in applause.

"It is about respect, it is about civility," Carroll said. "This is America’s national pastime and let’s keep it that way."

Photo: Players from the Dodgers and Giants come together during a moment of silence in honor of Bryan Stow, a Giants fan who was beaten in the Dodger Stadium parking lot after the season opener. Credit: Beck Diefenbach / Reuters